Experienced in transitions, DeDe Esque brings forty-plus years of experience to her work as an independent consultant, facilitator, certified leadership and team coach. Prior to entering the world of coaching, she served as the Interim Director for the Grantmaking School at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University and as President and CEO of a private foundation. Much of her formative professional experience took place in the retail and finance sectors concentrated in human resources operations, training and organizational development, management and team coaching, program design, and leadership development specifically with High Potentials (aka Emerging Leaders.)
DeDe draws from her toolkit of coaching, facilitation, project management, and training when she works with leaders using her humor, grace, and truth-telling. She focuses on transition and change in organizations through capacity building practices, facilitation of healthy discussions, and leadership coaching for those who are ready for change. Her presence, empathy and intuition create safe environments within which clients explore possibilities, find awareness, and make meaningful changes.
Because of her personal experiences as a leader in transitional situations and her lived experiences as a biracial person of color, DeDe utilizes thoughtful skills needed to work within complex systems and emotionally-charged environments.
DeDe’s community service work included leadership and board roles for local organizations focused on marginalized communities and the Arts sector.